Dexter, Portageville girls teams post wins

Tuesday, January 8, 2002

Staff Reports

DEXTER - The Dexter Lady Bearcats posted a big win on Monday with a 51-38 victory over district foe Kennett at Dexter gymnasium.

Dexter led throughout the game, but couldn't put the Lady Indians away until the fourth quarter.

"This is a big win for us," said Dexter head coach Gavin Miller. "It's a district game, that's one reason it's a big win. It's going to help us with our seed come district time. Head to head competition is vital when it comes to the seed meeting."

Dexter led 13-12 after one quarter and 25-22 at the half. They still led 40-34 entering the fourth quarter before holding the Lady Indians to four points in the final frame.

"Our high school girls program hasn't been too strong over the years," said Miller. "So beating teams like this is what the program needs. They beat us pretty handily last year with pretty much the same group. I thought we played one of our better games of the year tonight."

Dexter was led in scoring by Katie Dunlap's 17 points. Hannah Burleson followed up with 15 while Amy Rose chipped in with 10 points.

Rachael Brown led the Lady Indians with 20 points.

Dexter (7-4) will host New Madrid County Central on Monday at 6 p.m.

Second-seeded Kelly defeated Chaffee in the first round of the Scott-Mississippi Conference girls tournament Monday night, 61-39.

Bridgett Riley paced the Lady Hawks with 18 points, followed by Dana Essner with 12.

For Chaffee, Jennifer Vandeven led the charge with 23 points. Kelly will face the winner of a Delta/Scott Central game on Thursday in the second round at 9 p.m.

PORTAGEVILLE -- Portageville rebounded from a tough loss to beat South Pemiscot on Monday, 55-28.

"We really hustled tonight and played as a team," said Portageville coach Susan Penn. "We've been trying to get our guards to shoot more, and they did tonight."

Sarah Cayton and Mary Hannah Cross each hit 3-pointers and finished with 11 and seven points respectively. Guard Alyson Crafton also contributed seven points.

With the Lady Bulldogs hitting from the outside, it opened up the post for Janil Booker, who led all scorers with 18 points.